Country superstar Luke Bryan had to cancel his performance at the the CMT Artists of the Year ceremony on Tuesday after the devastating loss of his brother-in-law. The 38-year-old opted to stay with family in Georgia and officiate the funeral, rather than gathering with his peers to celebrate the greatest artists in his genre. Lady Antebellum had his back though, and covered his moving song "Drink a Beer" in his honor.

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Band members Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood hit the stage along with songwriter Chris Stapleton in Bryan's absence. Ben Lee Cheshire, known as Lee to his friends, was just 46 years, and leaves three teenage children behind, who are now orphans. Bryan's sister, Lee's wife, passed away in 2007. Their brother also lost his life that year in a tragic car accident, and Bryan wrote "Drink a Beer" in honor of his siblings.

In an interview with ABC News last year, the country crooner opened up about facing so much heartache.

"You never truly move beyond it," he said. "My only siblings, gone from the world in a flash, in two different, crazy tragic manners ... it's important for people to know they’re not alone. I love the fact that people can see that God still is gracious and humbling and powerful and can make things right, too."

Grab a tissue and take a look at this emotional tribute to Luke Bryan.

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Bryan saw the performance and was touched that his friends had filled his spot by honoring his family. He tweeted:

That was amazing. Truly. Thank you Charles, Dave, Hillary and Chris! Beautiful!!! Thank you fans for your love.